Annabel Berry

Chief executive, Sapphire

Which tech figurehead do you admire the most?

Sheryl Sandberg. COO of Facebook and one of the world's 100 most powerful women according to Forbes. She also works hard to give back through her philanthropic work. Enough said.

What's the biggest challenge facing the industry no-one is talking about yet?

The uncertainty around the potential skills shortage following Brexit. Skills, specifically in cyber security, are already in short supply, so we may see an impact on much needed talent.

If you could invite three famous people to dinner, who would they be?

Coco Chanel, Robin Williams and William Shakespeare. All of whom have unanswered questions about their lives that I'd want to uncover.

How has 2017 been for you?

Pretty good so far, thanks! We hit our half year with very strong double-digit growth on last year, so I'm a very happy chief executive right now.

What's the most extravagant business lunch you've ever had? 

I think the days of extravagant business lunches are probably gone now. The best lunch ever though had to be in Monte Carlo, overlooking the harbour with a couple of bottles of Côte de Provence's finest.

Which global city best matches your personality?

Sydney - I think it has the right balance of city and beach life and the ethos is work to live. I think it would sum me up - a lot of hard graft, but never happier than when I'm by the coast relaxing.

What would be your super-hero power?

Teleportation so I can spend less time travelling around our three UK offices and also to travel to some amazing places at the push of a button.

Complete this sentence. The worst thing about our rivals is… I think we have some great competition and that's healthy and keeps us on our toes. I think companies who spend their time publicly dissing the competition probably have too much time on their hands.

What makes you nervous?

I have a completely irrational fear of thunder storms.

If you could eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Indian food. I'm slightly addicted to chilli and love a curry or anything spicy.

Sum up the channel in three words

Thriving, talented, (sometimes) undervalued.

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• A-list 2018